Chandigarh: Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, emphasized the importance of instilling the teachings of Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati in the younger generation to pave the way for India’s resurgence as a global leader.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the Arya Maha Sammelan, organized by the Arya Pratinidhi Sabha Haryana at Gurukul, Kurukshetra, Nayab Singh Saini called on the youth to embrace education and values as tools for national progress.
“India’s future as a world leader lies in the hands of its youth, and to achieve this, we must ensure they are grounded in the values taught by Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati,” said Nayab Singh Saini.
He said that the significant role of Gurukul Kurukshetra and other Arya Samaj institutions in imparting quality education and ethical values to the youth, which is critical for the country's growth.
Earlier in the day, the Chief Minister, along with Gujarat Governor, Sh. Acharya Devvrat and former Minister of State, Sh. Subhash Sudha, visited Gurukul Kurukshetra and take a round of its indigenous cow shelter.
He extended his warm wishes for the 200th birth anniversary celebrations of Arya Samaj founder, Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati, acknowledging the pivotal role of Arya Samaj in shaping India's educational, social, and cultural landscape.
In his address, the Chief Minister highlighted the profound impact of Maharishi Dayanand and the Arya Samaj since its founding in 1875.
"Maharishi Dayanand’s vision for a progressive society was transformative. Arya Samaj's contributions in promoting education for all, ending caste discrimination, advocating for women’s rights, supporting widow remarriage, and protecting cows are unparalleled," said Sh. Saini.
He also recalled the Samaj's significant role in India's struggle for independence, asserting that Arya Samaj members were instrumental in both social reform and the freedom movement.
“Maharishi Dayanand not only revitalized the Vedic tradition but also ignited the spirit of Swaraj during India’s colonial era. The Arya Samaj played a critical role in India’s fight for freedom, with great patriots like Swami Shraddhanand, Lala Lajpat Rai, Veer Savarkar, and Shaheed Bhagat Singh carrying forward its mission,” the Chief Minister said.
International Yoga Day Reaffirms Global Recognition of India’s Invaluable Heritage
The Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini commended the global recognition of Yoga on International Yoga Day, noting that it was through the tireless efforts of Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi that the United Nations General Assembly declared June 21 as International Yoga Day. “This celebration has once again brought honor to India’s invaluable cultural heritage on the world stage,” he said.
The Chief Minister further said that the State Government is taking proactive steps to promote yoga and physical fitness in rural areas.
These include opening yoga centers and gyms in villages and establishing a Yoga Commission to encourage the practice of traditional yoga, as well as rural sports like kabaddi and wrestling.
India’s Spiritual Legacy and Educational Reforms
Saini emphasized that to help India regain its ancient position as a spiritual leader, the progressive ideals of Arya Samaj must reach every village and street with unwavering dedication and commitment.
“This will help our nation restore its ancient glory as a spiritual guru,” he said, adding that the government is also focused on enhancing the quality of education in Haryana.
State Government Supports Gurukuls and Sanskrit Pathshalas
The Chief Minister said that the State Government is providing grants to Gurukuls and Sanskrit Pathshalas as part of its commitment to preserving India’s cultural heritage.
He highlighted the establishment of Maharishi Valmiki Sanskrit University in Mundri, Kaithal, as a key step toward promoting Sanskrit education.
The Chief Minister also said that values derived from the Bhagavad Gita, cleanliness, yoga, and moral education have been incorporated into the school curriculum to nurture well-rounded citizens.
Gujarat Governor Sh. Acharya Devvrat Lauds Arya Samaj’s Nationwide Campaign
In his address, Gujarat Governor, Sh. Acharya Devvrat praised the nationwide celebrations of the 200th birth anniversary of Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati, led by Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi. He commended Arya Samaj representatives for their concerted efforts to spread the teachings of Maharishi Dayanand to people across the country.
Acharya Devvrat highlighted the ongoing movement to promote natural farming, conserve water, protect indigenous cows, and enhance the prosperity of farmers.
He urged the Arya Samaj community to pledge their support to Prime Minister Modi’s vision of making India a global leader, by spreading awareness of the importance of good education, values, and the country’s ancient culture and heritage.
The Governor also provided detailed insights into the natural farming practices being carried out on 200 acres of land at Gurukul Kurukshetra and the quality education and values being imparted to students there.
Other Dignitaries at the Event
The programme was also attended by former Minister of State Sh. Subhash Sudha, Patron of Arya Pratinidhi Sabha Haryana, Sh. Kanhaiya Lal Arya, Pradhan Deshbandhu Arya, Pradhan Rajkumar Garg of Gurukul, Director Brigadier Dr. Praveen Kumar, and Pradhan of Arya Pratinidhi Sabha Sh. Umesh Sharma, along with other prominent dignitaries.